PNOC-EC set to start CNG station in Laguna

MANILA, Philippines - State-run PNOC Exploration Corp. is scheduled to start in December the operations of its first compressed natural gas (CNG) service station in Laguna.

The opening of the CNG service station is part of a government program to provide cheaper fuel and clean energy to the transport sector as an alternative to gasoline.

 â€œIt will result in cutting the cost of transportation for both goods and passengers, thus easing the pressure from the rising costs of imported fuel,” PNOC-EC said.

Furthermore, operations of the mother CNG station in Laguna are PNOC-EC’s participation in the government’s Natural Gas Vehicle Program for Public Transport program under the Department of Energy.

The project will make use of the natural gas already being produced by the Malampaya deep water gas-to-power project of PNOC-EC in partnership with Shell Philippines Exploration B.V. and Chevron Malampaya from offshore Palawan.

“Another “daughter station” will also be established shortly in the North, effectively expanding the CNG transport system in Luzon.

PNOC-EC chairman Gemiliano Lopez earlier said the prospects for the success of exploration for indigenous sources of energy in the Philippines are brightening.

Lopez said the PNOC-EC board has approved a budget of P7.042 billion for operations this year, higher than the P6.568 billion appropriated last year.

“The increased budget represents the commitment of PNOC-EC to conduct and intensify exploration and development of indigenous sources of energy in order to augment the energy supply of our country, bring down the cost of energy, ensure its steady and adequate supply and accelerate national economic development in all its aspects,” Lopez said.